August 28, 2014

Les Ambassadeurs | Les Ambassadeurs Du Motel De Bamako

ARTIST: Les AmbassadeursTITLE: Les Ambassadeurs Du Motel De BamakoLABEL: Sterns
Mali’s Les Ambassadeurs recently reunited for a brief European tour; that makes this 2-disc compilation of their original 1975-77 recordings timely. In truth, a set like this is more overdue than timely – Les Ambassadeurs were hands-down one of the greatest bands of West Africa’s golden age and most of these tracks were only available until now on the original singles and LPs. Led by brilliant guitarist/arranger Kante Manfila, this was the band that made Salif Keita a star and introduced the world to many of Mali’s finest: guitarists Amadou Bagayoko (Amadou & Mariam) and Ousmane Kouyate (Keita’s long-time music director), organists Idrissa Soumaoro and Cheick Tidiane Seck, and balafonist Keletigui Diabate (Habib Koite) to name a few. Like their peers the Rail Band and Bembeya Jazz, Les Ambassadeurs specialized in authenticite: a new approach to music both totally modern (electric instruments; the influence of jazz, rock and R&B) and fully engaged with centuries-old Mande musical traditions. This style is one of Africa’s great contributions to world culture – here you’re hearing it as it was being invented. A peak musical experience.TOP TRACKS: CD 1 – 1 2 6 8 CD 2 – 1 2 7ALSO RECOMMENDED: CD 1 – 3 5 7 CD 2 – 4 5 6 8 9

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... hosts Global A Go-Go, a weekly two-hour world music radio program that originates in the studios of WRIR 97.3 FM Richmond Independent Radio. Bill is also WRIR's Assistant Music Director for World Music.